Missouri recorded 37 hypothermia deaths in 2023, and provisional data shows 38 hypothermia deaths last year. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and in some cases, death.
Cathy Wood is an epidemiologist with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. She hopes to prevent additional deaths by advising people to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks while out in the cold.
“Use a buddy system. Check on one another making sure are you okay. Check for signs of potential hypothermia or frostbite,” Wood said. “Is there any confusion going on – disoriented, kind of confused, lethargic, or just kind of moving slower than usual.”
If signs of hypothermia appear, Missourians are advised to go to a warm location immediately and call 911 for help.
“Another, I guess, danger we have, on top of the extreme cold is sometimes there can be carbon monoxide exposure,” she said. “You know, people are improperly heating their home with different power sources. So, yeah, check on your friends and family. Make sure everyone’s okay. Do they have power?”
Carbon monoxide is an orderless, colorless gas that can cause flu-like illness or death. According to state data, there were 38 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in 2023, and 33 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths last year.
“If you have a generator, it’s a great resource, but it is imperative that it is never used, never run inside the home or in an enclosed space such as a garage,” she explained.
Like you would with a smoke alarm, she said to test carbon monoxide detectors and regularly change out the batteries.
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